"Please don't go to bed before me," one of our children begs night after night; this was fine when they kept our hours, but as teenagers the plea is harder to manage! Our presence comforts and lightens the darkness. There is Another who brings light to dark places.
"Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness covers the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you." Isaiah 60:1, 2
Isaiah must have known the Advent New England had! Rain, fog and mist have darkened nearly all the days of Advent. It has been a weary journey: trudging "up hill both ways" spiritually. "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." John 1:5
I have spent some days not understanding this Light. How about you?
"The Virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Emmanuel~ which means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23
I know the words, but honestly, what does, "God with me." look like in reality, in me, in Advent? He comes to brighten the darkest sky, illumine the treacherous path and bring Himself as our constant hope and help. I have Someone waiting up in the dark with me.
"The King is everywhere present (with us) and observes what is done.
Therefore... show in your life much gentleness, much purity,
for we have a King who beholds our actions continually.
In order then that this light may ever richly enlighten us,
let us gladly accept these bright beams,
for so shall we enjoy both the good things present
and those to come, through the grace and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ."
John Chrysostom Fourth century
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